Contact device and charging system for charging electrically powered vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact device (10) for a charging system for electrically driven vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, and to a charging system, wherein the charging system is arrangeable beneath a vehicle and comprises a positioning apparatus, a charging contact device and the contact device having a contact unit carrier (11), wherein the contact unit carrier has at least two contact units (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18), wherein respective charging contacts of the charging contact device are able to be brought into contact with contact elements of the contact units to form a contact pair, wherein, by means of the positioning apparatus, the contact unit carrier is able to be positioned in a contact position relative to the charging contact carrier such that an electrically conductive connection is able to be formed between the vehicle and a charging station, wherein the at least two contact elements protrude at different heights relative to a surface, facing one of the charging contact devices, of the contact unit carrier, wherein the contact elements are each formed with a lever arm, wherein the contact unit carrier has a body (29) which is formed from a dielectric material and with at least one through-hole (31) for the contact elements in the surface facing the charging contact device, wherein the lever arm is mounted on a pivot bearing of the body so as to be pivotable relative to the surface, wherein the pivot bearings are formed on the body and are arranged at different spacings relative to the surface.

Description

[0001] CONTACT DEVICE AND CHARGING SYSTEM FOR CHARGING ELECTRICALLY POWERED VEHICLES

[0002] The invention relates to a contact device for a charging system for electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, as well as a charging system, wherein the charging system can be arranged underneath a vehicle and comprises a positioning device, a charging contact device and the contact device with a contact unit carrier, wherein the contact unit carrier has at least two contact units, wherein contact elements of the contact units can each be contacted with charging contacts of the charging contact device to form a contact pair, wherein by means of the positioning device the contact unit carrier can be positioned relative to the charging contact carrier in a contact position such that an electrically conductive connection can be formed between the vehicle and a charging station,wherein the at least two contact elements protrude at different heights relative to a surface of the contact unit carrier facing the charging contact device, wherein the contact elements are each formed with a lever arm.

[0003] Such contact devices and charging systems are already known from the prior art and are regularly used to charge electrically powered vehicles, for example at a stopping point. For certain vehicle types, such as passenger cars, the charging system is arranged beneath the floor of the vehicle for practical and aesthetic reasons. In order to quickly charge the vehicle's batteries, high currents and voltages must be able to be transmitted via the contact device. This requires correspondingly large contact units and suitable conductor cross-sections. Furthermore, a corresponding positioning device must then be provided beneath the vehicle to automatically connect or separate the contact device from the charging contact device.A simple charging system consisting of a plug-socket connection, on the other hand, is only suitable for transmitting lower currents and requires manual coupling of the plug and socket by an operator.

[0004] DE 10 2018 1 12 494 A1 discloses a charging system in which contact units are arranged in a contact unit carrier that can be attached to a floor. The contact units are each formed from contact elements with a lever arm and a spring-loaded pivot bearing. Furthermore, the contact elements are designed to protrude at different heights relative to a surface of the contact unit carrier facing the charging contact device. This makes it possible to maintain a desired contact sequence of contact pairs when the contact device and charging contact device are brought together or separated.

[0005] A disadvantage of the known contact device is that it is comparatively large and arranged directly on a substrate. Movement of the contact device itself is therefore not possible using a positioning device. Furthermore, the respective contact units consist of a comparatively large number of components, the manufacture of which is costly. In addition, the contact units or their contact elements are designed differently in order to be able to arrange the contact elements at different heights relative to the surface. Furthermore, the swivel joint of the contact unit is essentially made of metal and requires axial guidance, which makes the swivel joint susceptible to jamming and contamination. Overall, such a contact unit carrier takes up a large amount of space and is only possible with great effort.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a contact device and a charging system which is easy and safe to use and cost-effective.

[0007] This object is achieved by a contact device having the features of claim 1 and a charging system having the features of claim 17.

[0008] In the contact device according to the invention for a charging system for electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, the charging system can be arranged underneath a vehicle and comprises a positioning device, a charging contact device and the contact device with a contact unit carrier, wherein the contact unit carrier has at least two contact units, wherein contact elements of the contact units can each be used to contact charging contacts of the charging contact device to form a contact pair, wherein by means of the positioning device the contact unit carrier can be positioned relative to the charging contact carrier in a contact position such that an electrically conductive connection can be formed between the vehicle and a charging station,wherein the at least two contact elements protrude at different heights relative to a surface of the contact unit carrier facing the charging contact device, wherein the contact elements are each formed with a lever arm, wherein the contact unit carrier has a body formed with a dielectric material and with at least one through-opening for the contact elements in the surface facing the charging contact device, wherein the lever arm is pivotally mounted on a pivot bearing of the body relative to the surface, wherein the pivot bearings are formed on the body and arranged at different distances relative to the surface.

[0009] Accordingly, the at least two contact elements can protrude at different heights relative to the surface of the contact unit carrier in a rest position, so that a defined sequence of contact pairs can be maintained during a contact-making process with the charging contact device. The same applies when the charging contact device is separated from the contact device, in which case the sequence is then reversed. The contact unit carrier is formed from a body made of or with a dielectric material, wherein at least one through-opening for the at least two contact elements is formed in the body. The body can consist of the dielectric material or be at least partially or completely coated with the dielectric material. In principle, however, it is also possible for a plurality of through-openings for each contact element to be formed in the body.Because the contact unit carrier has the body that forms the surface facing the charging contact devices, a special cover for the contact unit carrier is not necessary. Furthermore, the lever arm of the respective contact elements is pivotally mounted on the pivot bearing of the body, so that the contact elements can be moved relative to the surface by pivoting about the respective pivot bearing and thus varied in height. During a contacting process with a charging contact device, the contact elements are consequently moved or pivoted through the through-openings into the body. Because the pivot bearings are formed on or through the body, there is no need to form contact elements with pivot bearings and the contact elements are easier to manufacture. Also, there is no need for special assembly of a contact unit with a pivot bearing on a contact unit carrier, as is known from the prior art.Because the pivot bearings of the at least two contact elements are arranged or formed at different distances relative to the surface on the body, the position of the contact elements in a rest position relative to the surface of the contact unit carrier can also be easily realized at different heights. In particular, it then becomes possible to use similar contact elements to realize a defined contact sequence. By using only one body together with similar contact elements, the number of parts of the contact devices can be significantly reduced, making the contact device simpler and therefore more cost-effective to manufacture.For example, it is possible to pre-assemble the contact elements and then, by final assembly, position them precisely at the intended height relative to the surface of the contact unit carrier on the respective pivot bearing of the body, without the need for individual design of the respective contact element.

[0010] The respective lever arms of the at least two contact elements, preferably the at least two contact elements, can be of identical design. Completely identical contact elements can further reduce the number of parts. However, it is also possible for the contact elements to be partially differently designed. In principle, however, the respective lever arms of the at least two contact elements can be of identical design or of the same length. A substantially equal contact force can then be exerted on the charging contact device via the lever arms, without the need for additional different components to adjust the contact force.

[0011] In the contact position, a contact surface of the contact elements and a charging contact surface can each be arranged in a contact plane parallel to a vehicle floor and / or a subsurface. The contact surface of the contact elements can be formed at a distal end of the relevant lever arm, which faces the charging contact surface. The charging contact surface of the charging contacts can, for example, be a flat surface that is round, oval, or strip-shaped. In the contact position, the contact device can then lie closely against the charging contact device, so that the surface of the contact unit carrier facing the charging contact device also lies against the charging contact device. Since the contact elements are then moved into the through-openings, all contact pairs of contact surfaces and charging contact surfaces can be formed in the contact plane. This can also be deviated from if the respective charging contacts orCharging contact surfaces are arranged at different heights relative to the surface of the contact unit carrier. In this case, a plurality of contact planes are formed. The contact plane(s) can be arranged parallel relative to the vehicle floor and / or the ground, such that the contact surfaces or charging contact surfaces face directly toward the vehicle floor or the ground.

[0012] The lever arms of the contact elements can be arranged in a star shape relative to one another, with contact surfaces of the contact elements being arranged proximally and the pivot bearings distally. The star-shaped arrangement of the lever arms makes it possible to position the contact elements or their contact surfaces in a central region of the star-shaped arrangement in such a way that a single through-opening for all contact elements can be formed. Furthermore, the area where contact is made and thus electrical energy is transferred between the charging contact device and the contact device is kept comparatively small, which reduces the design effort for the charging system and electrical safety, for example, by covering the opening or the like.The star-shaped arrangement of the lever arms also makes it possible to position the pivot bearings outwards and thus space them apart from each other, which allows for a generous structural design of the pivot bearings.

[0013] The body can be made from a single piece or multiple pieces of a plastic material. The body can be manufactured easily and cost-effectively in large quantities, for example by injection molding, transfer molding, compression molding or another primary forming process. The body can also be coated with a plastic material. In particular, the body can be made from a plastic material or a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The body can be made from a single piece, i.e. in one piece, and can be formed together with, for example, the through-opening as a finished part. Alternatively, it is also possible for the body to be made from multiple parts, in which case the body can be assembled from multiple parts, which can then also be formed using the aforementioned primary forming processes. This is particularly advantageous when the body has a complex geometry.Because the body is made of a dielectric material, no special electrical insulation of the contact elements is required.

[0014] The body can be formed with a base element which forms the surface of the contact unit carrier facing the charging contact device. Since the surface of the contact unit carrier usually comes into contact with charging contacts of the charging contact device during a contacting process, it is particularly advantageous if this surface is formed from a dielectric material. Furthermore, it is then also possible for the pivot bearings to be formed on the base element. The base element, together with the contact elements or contact units, can then create an assembly which significantly simplifies further assembly of the contact device. The base element can, for example, be formed in one piece and mounted with other components of the body.The pivot bearing can be formed by at least one bearing eye or at least one bearing journal of the body, wherein the bearing eye or the bearing journal can be fastened to a respective mounting base of the body by means of a screw connection. If the pivot bearing is formed by at least one bearing eye, the contact element can form a bearing journal or the contact element can be connected to the bearing eye via an axis. Alternatively, the pivot bearing can be formed by two bearing eyes or two bearing journals of the body. The bearing eyes or bearing journals can then be arranged on either side of the lever arm or the contact element, so that lateral tilting and clamping of the lever arm on the pivot bearing is avoided. Furthermore, the bearing eye or the bearing journal can be made of a dielectric material, for example a plastic material.The bearing eye or bearing journal can then be manufactured cost-effectively and in large quantities using a primary forming process, for example by injection molding. The mounting base of the body can already have recesses to accommodate screws of the screw connection or blind holes with a thread. If the body is made of a plastic material, self-tapping screws can also be used to create the screw connection. Furthermore, it is possible to vary the different distances of the pivot bearing relative to the surface using the bearing eye or bearing journal. In this way, different bearing eyes or bearing journals with different heights can be used to form the pivot bearings, so that the desired distance between the pivot bearing and the surface of the contact unit carrier can be achieved by simply selecting the appropriate bearing eye or bearing journal.However, it is also possible to design the respective mounting bases of the cabinet to a suitable height or to use adapter bases that are mounted between the bearing eye or bearing pin and the mounting base. This allows all mounting bases to be at the same height, and identical bearing eyes or bearing pins can be used. The desired height can then be adjusted using adapter bases of different heights.

[0015] The pivot bearing can have a bearing bush made of a dielectric material on one of the pivot bearing's axles. This makes it possible to construct the pivot bearing from a conductive material, such as metal. The bearing bush can, for example, be pressed into a bearing eye or onto the axle and thus firmly mounted there. In addition to radial bearing support, axial bearing support can also be provided by the bearing bush. If the pivot bearing is formed by two bearing eyes or bearing journals, for example, two bearing bushes can also be used. The bearing bush can ensure maintenance-free servicing or lubrication of the pivot bearing, for example by using graphite as a bearing bush material.

[0016] The body can be formed with ribs which divide an interior of the body and each form a receiving space for the contact elements. The ribs can be formed at least in sections vertically relative to the surface of the contact unit carrier and run in the interior of the body. The ribs can be arranged in a star shape such that a contact element is arranged between each two ribs in a receiving space formed in this way. It can also be provided that the pivot bearing is located outside the receiving space. The ribs can therefore have a recess through which an axle of the pivot bearing can pass. The ribs make it possible to protect the pivot bearing from any contamination which could enter the area of ​​the contact elements through the through-opening.Furthermore, the ribs can also electrically insulate the contact elements from each other and, for example, prevent arcing as a result of moisture.

[0017] The body can be designed with stops for each contact element, wherein the contact elements can be positioned on the respective stops in a rest position. In the rest position, the contact elements are then positioned differently from the contact position so that the contact elements protrude at different heights relative to the surface of the contact unit carrier. Depending on the position and design of the respective stops, these different heights can coincide with the respective distances of the pivot bearings from the surface. Consequently, the stops can also be adapted to the different distances of the pivot bearings from the surface. A stop can, for example, be formed from a simple extension that is molded onto the body or is formed by it.Furthermore, it is also possible for a stop to be designed with an adjustment device to adjust the height of the contact element in the rest position. This can, for example, be a simple screw, which then forms the stop.

[0018] A spring of the contact unit can exert a spring force on the contact element such that the contact element can be pressed toward a charging contact. A spring-loaded mounting of the contact element can be implemented by a compression spring, in particular a spiral spring, on the contact element or in the area of ​​the pivot bearing. As a result, a point-like contact with a charging contact can be established under spring tension. A spring force can be selected such that the contact element is always pressed toward the charging contact and moved into a forward end position or rest position when the contact element is not in contact with a charging contact.

[0019] The spring can be a coiled torsion spring that can be held on an axis of the pivot bearing. The torsion spring can be wound around the axis of the pivot bearing like a helical spring. Each end of the spring can be designed to be free-standing in the radial direction so that the ends of the spring can be interlaced relative to one another around the axis, generating a spring force. One end of the torsion spring can be applied to the contact element or fixed, for example by inserting it into a hole in the contact element or lever arm. Another end of the torsion spring can be attached to the body. Since the body is made of a dielectric material, current flow through the torsion spring can then be avoided.

[0020] The contact unit can have an adjustment device for adjusting the spring preload or the spring force of the spring. If the spring rests against the body, the adjustment device can be formed on the body. The adjustment device can, for example, be a screw with which the spring can be preloaded. This allows, for example, a spring preload for all contact units to be easily adjusted during maintenance of the contact device.

[0021] Furthermore, a connecting cable can be attached directly to the contact element. The connecting cable can be attached to the contact element, for example, at an opposite end of the lever arm, adjacent to the pivot bearing. For this purpose, a bore can be formed in the contact element, to which a connecting lug of the connecting cable can be easily attached using a screw. The connecting cable can then be moved together with the contact element when it is pivoted. The contact resistance between the connecting cable and the contact element is then particularly low.

[0022] The contact unit can be designed such that a current of > 300 amperes, preferably > 800 amperes, at a voltage of > 600 volts can be transmitted via the contact element. Consequently, a power of > 750 kW, preferably up to 1500 kW, can be transmitted via the contact unit. It may then be sufficient to provide only one connecting cable for connection to the respective contact element. The vehicle can also be charged more quickly, since higher currents can be transmitted in a shorter time. If necessary, a larger number of contact units can be provided on the contact unit carrier in order to be able to transmit even greater power.

[0023] The contact unit carrier can have at least five, preferably seven, contact elements, wherein at least two contact elements can form power contacts, two contact elements can form data contacts, and one contact element can form a grounding contact. Since a defined sequence in the production of the contact pairings of contact elements and charging contacts can be ensured due to the different heights of the contact elements relative to the surface of the contact unit carrier, it can be provided that the grounding contact is contacted first, followed by the data contacts, and then the power contacts. For transmitting a particularly high power, for example, four power contacts can be provided.

[0024] The charging system according to the invention comprises a positioning device, a charging contact device, and a contact device according to the invention. The positioning device, the charging contact device, and the contact device can be arranged underneath a vehicle or on or in a substructure and on or in a vehicle floor of the vehicle.

[0025] The positioning device can comprise a cylinder, articulated arm, pantograph, or a rocker, by means of which the contact unit carrier can be positioned at least vertically relative to the charging contact device, wherein the contact device can be arranged on a vehicle or a charging station. The charging contact device or the contact device can comprise the positioning device, so that either the charging contact device can be moved toward the contact device or the contact device can be moved toward the charging contact device by means of the positioning device during a contacting process. Further advantageous embodiments of a charging system emerge from the subclaims referring back to claim 1.

[0026] The invention can in principle be used for any type of electric vehicle that is powered by batteries that need to be recharged.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] They show:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a top side of a contact device;

[0030] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a bottom side of the contact device;

[0031] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the contact device;

[0032] Fig. 4 is a side view of the contact device;

[0033] Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the contact device;

[0034] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the contact device from below;

[0035] Fig. 7 is a first longitudinal sectional view of the contact device;

[0036] Fig. 8 is a second longitudinal sectional view of the contact device;

[0037] Fig. 9 a third longitudinal sectional view of the contact device.

[0038] A summary of Figures 1 to 9 shows a contact device 10 that can be arranged underneath a vehicle (not shown here). A charging contact device with charging contacts is provided on the vehicle, which can be contacted with the contact device 10 to form an electrically conductive connection. For this purpose, the contact device 10 can, for example, comprise a positioning device (not shown here), by means of which the contact device can be moved in the direction of the charging contact device and back. The contact device 10 can, for example, be arranged on or in a surface over which the vehicle can travel, and thus, together with the charging contact device on the vehicle, form a charging system.

[0039] The contact device comprises a contact unit carrier 11 with contact units 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. The contact units 12 to 16 have a contact element 19 and the contact units 17 and 18 each have a contact element 20. The contact elements 19 and 20 protrude at different heights relative to a surface 21 of the contact unit carrier 11 facing the charging contact device, wherein the contact elements 19 and 20 are shown here in a contact position in which contact surfaces 22 and 23 of the contact elements 19 and 20 are positioned in a common contact plane 24. Furthermore, the contact elements 19 and 20 are formed with lever arms 25 and 26, respectively, which each have a rod-shaped extension 27 and 28, respectively, with the contact surface 22 and 23, respectively.The contact unit 12 serves to form an earthing contact, the contact units 13 to 16 each form a power contact and the contact units 17 and 18 form a data contact with charging contacts not shown here.

[0040] The contact unit carrier 11 further comprises a body 29, which is formed here with a base element 30. The body 29 or the base element 30 is formed from a dielectric material, in particular a plastic material, and has through openings

[0041] 3 1 in the surface 21, through which the extensions 27 and 28 pass. Furthermore, the lever arms 25 and 26 are each attached to pivot bearings

[0042] 32 to 38 of the body 29 are pivotally mounted relative to the surface 21. The pivot bearings 32 to 38 are formed on the body 29, and at least two of the pivot bearings 32 to 38 are arranged at different distances relative to the surface 21. The lever arms 25 and 26 of the contact elements 19 and 20, respectively, are arranged in a star shape relative to one another, with the contact surfaces 22 and 23, respectively, being arranged proximally relative to the star-shaped arrangement. Consequently, the pivot bearings 32 to 38 are arranged distally such that sufficient space is available for the formation of the pivot bearings 32 to 38.

[0043] The body 29 is formed with ribs 39 that run vertically and divide an interior space 40 of the body 29, thus forming receiving spaces 41 for the contact elements 19 and 20. The pivot bearings 32 to 38 of the body 29 are each formed with two bearing eyes 42, which in turn are fastened to a mounting base 43 of the body 29 by means of screws 44. The bearing eyes 42 are formed with a bearing bush 45, in which an axis 46 of the respective pivot bearing 32 to 38 is mounted. In the example shown here, the mounting bases 43 are formed at different heights or distances relative to the surface 21, so that a formation of correspondingly differently spaced pivot bearings 32 to 38 relative to the surface 21 is possible when using essentially similar contact elements 19 and 20. The pivot bearings 32 to 38 are each further formed with a torsion spring 47, which is held on the axis 46 orsurrounds them in sections. One end 48 of the torsion spring 47 is inserted into a bore 49 on the respective contact element 19 or 20, with one end 50 of the torsion spring 47 positioned on a contact surface 51 of the body 29. The spring force of the respective torsion spring 47 is preset by a relative positioning of the bore 49 and contact surface 51.

[0044] Furthermore, stops 52 for the respective lever arms 25 and 26 are formed on the body 29. The stops 52 are designed such that, in a rest position of the contact elements 19 and 20, they protrude at different heights relative to the surface 21. The lever arms 25 and 26 are pressed against the stops 52 with a spring preload via the torsion spring 47.

[0045] The electrical connection of the contact elements 19 and 20 is made via connecting cables not shown here. The contact units 12 to 16 or their contact elements 19 are provided with comparatively large

[0046] Connecting lugs 53 are provided with holes 54. The connecting cables can be screwed to the holes 54 or the connecting lugs 53.

[0047] A bottom side 55 of the body 29 is formed with a mounting plate 56 for fastening the contact element carrier 11 to the positioning device.

Claims

Claims: Contact device (10) for a charging system for electrically powered vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses or the like, wherein the charging system can be arranged below a vehicle and comprises a positioning device, a charging contact device and the contact device with a contact unit carrier (11), wherein the contact unit carrier has at least two contact units (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18), wherein contact elements (19, 20) of the contact units can each be used to contact charging contacts of the charging contact device to form a contact pair, wherein the contact unit carrier can be positioned relative to the charging contact carrier in a contact position by means of the positioning device, such that an electrically conductive connection between the vehicle and a charging station can be formed.wherein the at least two contact elements protrude at different heights relative to a surface (21) of the contact unit carrier facing the charging contact device, wherein the contact elements are each formed with a lever arm (25, 26), characterized in that the contact unit carrier has a body (29) which is connected to, a dielectric material and with at least one through-opening (31) for the contact elements in the surface facing the charging contact device, wherein the lever arm is pivotably mounted on a rotary bearing (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) of the body relative to the surface, wherein the rotary bearings are formed on the body and are arranged at different distances relative to the surface.

2. Contact device according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective lever arms (25, 26) of the at least two contact elements (19, 20), preferably the at least two contact elements, are identically designed.

3. Contact device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the contact position a contact surface (22, 23) of the contact elements (19, 20) and a charging contact surface of the charging contacts are each arranged in a contact plane (24) parallel to a vehicle floor and / or a substrate.

4. Contact device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever arms (25, 26) of the contact elements (19, 20) are arranged in a star shape relative to each other, wherein contact surfaces (22, 23) of the contact elements are arranged proximally and the rotary bearings (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) are arranged distally.

5. Contact device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (29) is made of a plastic material in one piece or in multiple parts. A contact device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (29) is formed with a base element (30) which forms the surface (21) of the contact unit carrier (11) facing the charging contact device. A contact device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary bearing (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) is formed by at least one bearing eye (42) or at least one bearing pin of the body (29), wherein the bearing eye or the bearing pin is fastened to a mounting base (43) of the body by means of a screw connection. A contact device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary bearing (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) has a bearing bushing (45) made of a dielectric material on an axis (46) of the rotary bearing.A contact device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (29) is formed with ribs (39) which subdivide an interior space (40) of the body and each form a receiving space (41) for the contact elements (19, 20). A contact device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (29) is formed with stops (52) for each contact element (19, 20), wherein the contact elements can be positioned in a rest position at the respective stops. A contact device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring of the contact unit (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) exerts a spring force on the contact element (19, 20) such that the contact element is pressed towards a charging contact. A contact device according to claim 11, characterized in that the spring is a coiled torsion spring (47) which is held on an axis (46) of the rotary bearing (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38). A contact device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the contact unit (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) has an adjusting device for setting a spring preload of the spring. Contact device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connecting line is attached directly to the contact element (19, 20).A contact device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact unit (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) is configured such that a current of > 300 A, preferably > 800 A, can be transmitted via the contact element (19, 20) at a voltage of > 600 V. A contact device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact unit carrier (11) has at least five, preferably three. The charging system comprises contact elements (19, 20), wherein at least two contact elements are power contacts, two contact elements are data contacts, and one contact element is a grounding contact. A charging system with a positioning device, a charging contact device, and a contact device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. A charging system according to claim 17, characterized in that the positioning device comprises a cylinder, articulated arm, pantograph, or rocker arm by means of which the contact unit carrier (11) can be positioned in at least a vertical direction relative to the charging contact device, wherein the contact device (10) can be arranged on a vehicle or a charging station.